Stories of Resilience Shine at LaGuardia Community College’s 2025 Commencement
LONG ISLAND CITY, NY (June 20, 2025) — LaGuardia Community College/CUNY celebrated the graduation of 2,031 students in its 53rd Commencement Ceremony today on the Queens College quad. Among the thousands of proud family members, friends, and supporters in attendance, two student speakers shared powerful stories of perseverance and transformation—reflecting the spirit of the Class of 2025. (Click here for photos from commencement.)
Nancy Avila, 46, a Colombian immigrant and mother of four, earned her Associate of Arts in Early Childhood Education. Inspired by her daughters—both LaGuardia alumnae—Nancy began her academic journey learning English through LaGuardia’s ESOL Civics Program while working as a home attendant. She credits Professor Michele de Goeas-Malone for her guidance during challenging times. Nancy will continue her education at York College and plans to pursue a master’s in special education.
Jonathan Machado, 33, a former professional chef, turned to science after the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the restaurant industry. He earned an Associate of Science in Biotechnology and will transfer to Hunter College to study Bioinformatics. At LaGuardia, Jonathan served as president of the Phi Theta Kappa chapter, a President’s Society Ambassador, and editorial chief of the Honors Student Advisory Committee. He conducted research with Dr. Richa Gupta (Natural Sciences) as a NIH Bridges to the Baccalaureate Scholar and interned at Columbia University’s Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center. He credits mentors Dr. Dana Trusso, Professor Ann Matsuuchi, and Dr. Gupta, as well as the Office of Accessibility, for their support.
The ceremony was led by LaGuardia President Kenneth Adams and Dr. Billie Gastic Rosado, Provost and Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs.
“2025 has been a good year for LaGuardia, and you’re the evidence: Enrollment is up, grades are up, participation in sports and clubs is way up, fundraising is up,” said President Adams, later pointing out that the Class of 2025 is 15% larger than last year’s graduating class. He also commended this year’s graduates for their high average GPA of 3.11.
“Back during your first semester, I wanted you to start thinking about what you’re going to do after LaGuardia. And today, you graduate,” he said. “No matter what you do next, after this ceremony, you will become a LaGuardia alum. You will be joining the large and growing family of LaGuardia alumni. The LaGuardia Alumni Association empowers our graduates through professional networking, career support, and opportunities to give back to our college by serving as tutors and mentors. You are always welcome back at LaGuardia. We will always be there on Thomson Avenue in those old buildings of ours. Congratulations, LaGuardia Class of 2025!”
A Diverse Class Reflecting the Community of Queens
The Class of 2025 reflects LaGuardia’s mission as a Hispanic-Serving Institution and its deep roots in one of the most ethnically diverse urban areas in the world:
- Graduates represent 83 countries, with 55% born outside the U.S.
- 68% live in Queens, 14% in Brooklyn, 7% in The Bronx, 7% in Manhattan, and 4% outside NYC
- 45% identify as Hispanic or Latino, 26% Asian or Pacific Islander, 18% Black, 6% White, and 2% Native American
- Ages: 44% are 18–22, 28% are 23–27, 8% are 28–30, 14% are 31–40, 4% are 41–50, and 2% are over 50
Graduates earned associate degrees and academic certificates across 60 programs offered by LaGuardia’s 10 academic departments. Many are the first in their families to earn a college degree. The most popular majors were:
- Business Administration
- Computer Science,
- Criminal Justice
- Psychology
- Accounting
- Nursing
- Early Childhood Education
Commencement Ceremony Highlights
More than 10,000 guests gathered to celebrate the graduates. Distinguished speakers included Queens Borough President Donovan Richards, New York State Senator Kristen Gonzalez (59th District), and New York Assembly Member Claire Valdez (37th District). CUNY Trustee Henry T. Berger delivered remarks on behalf of The City University of New York.
“I extend my sincere congratulations to all the members of LaGuardia Community College’s Class of 2025,” said Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. “The education these outstanding graduates have received at LaGuardia Community College’s Class of 2025 has put them in a great position to make a positive difference in our society. I see a brighter future ahead for our borough, city, state, nation, and world, thanks to the contributions we will be seeing from these hard-working, smart, and talented graduates.”
In her remarks to the Class of 2025, State Senator Kristen Gonzalez reflected on her own college days: “I remember what it was like to study hard while juggling jobs, responsibilities, and life. I remember the moments of doubt, asking myself ‘Can I really do this?’ ” she said. “And I know many of you have asked yourselves the same. I know that some of you studied after long shifts at work or even after two jobs. Some of you were caring for children, parents, or both at the same time. And you did it in the middle of a world that often feels like it’s moving faster than we can catch up to. But you pushed through and now you’re here. This is your accomplishment, so take a breath and be present. This moment belongs to all of you.”
“I was beyond thrilled to be part of LaGuardia Community College’s 2025 commencement ceremony,” said Assembly Member Claire Valdez. “Listening to students’ stories, hearing their achievements, is a moving and humbling reminder of why investment in our public university system is so important. The doors it opens for our young people, the benefits for our communities, the lives that are changed—every dollar invested in public education returns dividends in ways we can see and sometimes in ways we can’t. Today was a powerful tribute to its impact, and I can’t wait to see what these incredible students do next.”
“Class of 2025, we’re here to celebrate a significant milestone in your lives, the culmination of years of hard work, dedication, and perseverance,” said CUNY Trustee Henry T. Berger. “You are the pride of CUNY and the pride of New York. Cherish all the experience and knowledge you have gained at LaGuardia Community College. The world we live in is unpredictable, and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by uncertainty. But you have an excellent education with the tools and experiences to face whatever comes your way. You are equipped and empowered with more knowledge, skills, and innovation than any generation before you. Venture out and change the world.”
Dr. Denise B. Maybank, CUNY Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, attended as a special guest.
Read more graduate stories in Red Hawks Rising, named for LaGuardia’s spirited mascot, Rebel the Red Hawk.
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LaGuardia Community College (LAGCC), a Hispanic-Serving Institution, located in Long Island City, Queens offers more than 50 associate degrees and academic certificates, and more than 65 continuing education programs to prepare New Yorkers for transfer to senior colleges and rewarding jobs and careers. An institution of the City University of New York (CUNY), the College reflects the legacy of our namesake, Fiorello H. LaGuardia, the former NYC mayor beloved for his advocacy of the underserved. Since 1971, LaGuardia’s academic programs and support services have advanced the socioeconomic mobility of students from Queens, NYC and beyond.
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